Dramatic Finales & Formidable Fly Halves - Round 1 Review

Round 1 of the Aviva Premiership delivered the full spectrum of matches from convincing victories to single point steals. It was as enthralling and dramatic as we'd all hoped that it would be and with the presence of the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals it was a weekend to savour from a rugby perspective. 

At the Twickenham Stoop Harlequins started their season with a positive victory over Wasps however they were made to work harder for it than they should have been. As a collective Harlequins put together a strong performance in all areas of the field with stand in captain Nick Evans delivering 21 of their 26 points. In the second-half Dai Young’s side had plenty of possession however, uncharacteristically, didn’t find the go forward to convert this into points. Wasps simply didn't show their full hand on Friday night and credit must go to Harlequins for un-nerving them. Now, Harlequins will head up to Welford Road with a spot of confidence whilst Wasps must go up the gears on home soil against Bath next weekend. Full Time Harlequins 26 Wasps 21. Man Of The Moment - Harlequins’ Nick Evans

If you are a Worcester Warriors fan then you must have a strong constitution for they started their Aviva Premiership season in the same dramatic fashion that they finished  the Championship one. Tom Heathcoate showed nerves of steel to nail the final drop goal and the victory was nothing less than Dean Ryan's side deserved. The Northampton Saints weren’t allowed into their stride by the Warriors and Jim Mallinder will want his side to really put their foot in the gas in attack next weekend. Across the board the home side's defence was robust and they gained in confidence moving forwards. Phil Dowson’s industry was phenomenal, he passionately fired up the team in the huddle pre-kick off and lead from the front throughout. Northampton will believe this is just a blip on their radar and Dean Ryan knows that this is only one game however what a way to start the year for the Premiership new boys. Full Time Worcester Warriors 13 Northampton Saints 12. Man Of The Moment - Worcester Warriors’ Phil Dowson

At Kingston Park Billy Twelvetrees scored 29 of his side’s 39 points to steer them to their first Aviva Premiership victory of the season. On home soil the Newcastle Falcons struggled to adapt to referee Tom Foley’s whistle and Gloucester were ruthlessly efficient in profiting from their opposition's ill discipline. Dean Richards' side showed much greater purpose in the second half scoring three good tries however they'd left themselves too much to do. Both fly-halves impressed me, I expect that Mike Delaney will develop nicely in the middle for the Falcons and Billy Twelvetrees showed a consistency that I haven't seen for a while. Gloucester head home to face a confident Saracens whilst Newcastle are off to the Stadium MK to face Northampton. Full Time Newcastle Falcons 27 Gloucester Rugby 39.  Man Of The Moment - Gloucester Rugby’s Billy Twelvetrees

At The Rec Bath Rugby started their year off by what can only be described as ‘winning ugly’. The Exeter Chiefs arrived in town hell bent on causing a stir, they played all of the rugby and should have taken the spoils. Rob Baxter’s men looked fit and sharp with Matt Jess having stormer. Bath were their own worst enemies with a haphazard lineout and poorer handling than we’ve seen from them in a long time however George Ford took the match by the scruff of its neck. As a whole Bath showed a spot of character to repel Exeter’s multiple advances and ride out a two sin bin periods and that will please Mike Ford. The Chiefs head home to face London Irish whilst Bath will be welcomed by Wasps at the Ricoh Arena. Full Time Bath Rugby 19 Exeter Chiefs 17. Man Of The Moment - Bath Rugby’s George Ford

In North London last year’s Champions Saracens set out their intent with a barnstorming performance against the Sale Sharks. The Sharks will be disappointed as Saracens had their scrum on toast and their own handling faltered especially close to the try line. Across the park Saracens looked purposeful, from Alex Goode's sublime hands to put in Mike Ellery on the left wing to the forwards powering  a driving maul that Michael Rhodes finished off with a score. Sale's second half had more purpose however like others this weekend the damage was done early on. It will be onwards and upwards for Saracens  as they head to Kingsholm whilst for Sale a quick regroup is in order before a motivated Worcester Warriors come to town. Full Time Saracens 41 Saracens 3 Man Of The Moment - Saracens' Michael Rhodes

The final game of the weekend was in Reading where London Irish hosted the Leicester Tigers. It started as a wholly competitive affair however like others in Round 1 London Irish shot themselves in the foot time and time again. The Tigers were handed a blow in the build up with Freddie Burns' broken jaw however Tommy Bell delivered a sterling performance in the 10 jersey scoring 23 points off the tee and managing the game well. Leicester showed more purpose in attack than we've seen in a while and were deserving of their victory whilst Tom Coventry's side need to ensure that their basics stick and fast for you cannot win matches with 19 handling errors. Full Time London Irish 16 Leicester Tigers 28. Man Of The Moment - Leicester Tigers' Tommy Bell 

This week the work continues in earnest for our Aviva Premiership sides, round one will have focused the minds and given their Head Coaches/Directors of Rugby plenty to ponder on. With the weekend's recovery and the review sessions now in the bag all eyes will be pointing towards Round 2 and a stellar set of fixtures.

In Case You Missed It Moment - Round 1

Joe Marler is always a man to say it as it is and this conversation with referee Luke Pearce can't fail to bring a smile to your face...