So that's it six rounds of Aviva Premiership rugby are done and dusted and it seems like only yesterday that we were toasting the start of the new season. Now it’s time for a little European break and for our domestic sides to go in opposite directions. For some the Challenge Cup will provide their Directors of Rugby the opportunity to mix things up a bit while for others it’s full steam ahead into the toughest domestic competition in the Northern Hemisphere. Regardless of what lies ahead let’s just pause for a moment or two and take a little look back at a weekend's action because it delivered some interesting results.
Bath Rugby 30 - 3 Sale Sharks
On Friday night Bath Rugby gave their home fans plenty to cheer about at The Recreation Ground as they made an off colour Sale pay for their inaccuracy. Not only were the home side hardy and physical in defence but they delivered the sparks of old in attack. Since Round 1 the quick ball that Kahn Fotuali’i has been supplying to George Ford has been a game changer and their partnership was outstanding again on Friday night. The presence of Jonathan Joseph added the reassurance that Bath needed in their back line and Matt Banahan was sensational. Sale just weren’t at the races, particularly in attack, and Steve Diamond will certainly be having a few stern words with them early this week about ensuring that they find their accuracy ahead of the Champions Cup. Key Man: Matt Banahan was outstanding, again! Greatly underrated played and I'd have no issues with him wearing an England jersey should it ever be required again.
Exeter Chiefs 27 - 27 Gloucester Rugby
Another round and another draw! Surely after only six rounds of the 2016-17 season we've already exceeded the number of draws that occurred in last two seasons put together! Once again Gloucester had put themselves in the perfect position to take the match. If any other side were 27-14 up you'd feel confident and yet there's always that question mark with the Cherry and Whites. To be fair Exeter weren't ever going to go down without a fight, especially not at home, and once Ian Whitten had gone over in the corner after 67 minutes you felt the momentum shift and the doubt creep into Gloucester's minds. With seven tries in total the crowd certainly to their money's worth but neither side will be fully satisfied with a draw. Exeter's next challenge is a huge one, the current Top 14 leaders Clermont Auvergne and Les Jaunards are looking ruthless. For Gloucester they need to use the Challenge Cup to rebuild their steel and confidence which will be vital to have back for the forthcoming rounds. Key Men: A mention to Charlie Sharples for his try on his 200th competitive appearance for Gloucester Rugby and Ross Moriarty continues to work tirelessly for Gloucester.
Harlequins 20 - 9 Northampton Saints
A strong second-half performance from Harlequins saw them take the points against Northampton. It wasn't the greatest match in the world as handling errors littered the 80 minutes but there were higher points. Alofa Alofa's first try for the club was well worked and Tim Swiel had a big impact the bench after he replaced a clearly unfit Nick Evans. Adam Jones put in a monstrous shift, on the ‘wrong’ side of the scrum, and rolled back the years as Harlequins lost Mark Lambert to injury early on having previously lost Joe Marler ahead of the match. Northampton's points all came from the boot of Stephen Tyler and as a whole they look like a true cohesive unit that could pose a real threat on the outcome of the game which will concern Jim Mallinder. Key Men: Marland Yarde put forward his case to Eddie Jones well; he didn't get on the score sheet but was all over the park and looked sharp throughout.
Leicester Tigers 34 - 13 Worcester Warriors
Worcester’s 121 year search for a victory at Welford Road continues as after a bright opening ten minutes they couldn’t find their feet against the Tigers. Leicester's performance was described by Richard Cockerill as 'far from complete but a step in the right direction' and he's right. Worcester are still looking to really establish themselves in a match against one of the 'big guns' but in the opening block of matches we have seen elements of promise. Carl Hogg and his men now travel to Russia for their opening Challenge Cup match and I wouldn't be surprised if their head coach rotates a few men for the trip. For Leicester it's a trip to Scotland to kick start the 2016-17 Champions Cup and the question I'm pondering on is whether they’ll use Europe to find their true form in the same way that they did so last season? Key Men: Telusa Veainu again showed that he has feet from another planet. Make sure that you see his 33rd minute try because despite less than effective Worcester defence his feet are lovely!
Newcastle Falcons 19 - 14 Bristol Rugby
Not for the first time this season Bristol Rugby gifted their opponents an easy foothold into the match and it was one that Newcastle Falcons did well to hold onto. Bristol gifted their hosts the first score of the match with an interception try and with it they also handed Falcons the momentum. Dean Richards' side gladly took both and looked the stronger of the two for the whole of the first forty. After the break Bristol turned up their intensity and with it came points and a nervous finale to the opening six rounds for Newcastle. The match itself proved that, although Andy Robinson's side remain firmly at the foot of the table, they do have the ability to compete. The challenge now is competing for a full eighty minutes and seeing where they takes them, if they don't for 80 minutes then their return to the competition will be short lived.
Saracens 30 - 14 Wasps
On Sunday afternoon Saracens gave the competition a little reminder that they remain the ones to beat as they made a previously unbeaten Wasps side look flustered and un-nerved. The visitors didn’t ever win the gain line and were second best by a country mile in terms of their physicality. In my eyes the game was a bit of a slow burner but the second half really delivered. Danny Cipriani’s moment of magic was Wasps’ highlight but the rest of the highs belonged to Saracens as Jamie George crossed twice and Brad Barritt led his side with distinction. Early on Wasps looked like rabbits in the headlights and when Saracens found fourth gear they didn’t have a response. The performance, and result, sets up Mark McCall’s side brilliantly for their trip to Toulon while Wasps simply need to take the lessons from the game and move onto what should be a straightforward outing against Zebre. Key Men: Billy Vunipola made a real statement against his England rival and once again Maro Itjoe was immense.
