Over the past couple of years LV=Cup has firmly
established its place in the professional structure, it is the springboard for
young emerging players and allows them to showcase their talents to the wider
rugby world. Alongside that purpose it also provides important game time to those, more senior players, that are coming back from injury
or that on the fringes of their first team squads.
Before I highlight a few key men to watch out for in this year's tournament let’s delve into a spot of house-keeping regarding the competition structure itself. Each team in the LV=Cup is guaranteed two home fixtures and two away fixtures and all of the fixtures played are inter-pool meaning that the teams in Pool 1 will play teams in Pool 4 and the teams in Pool 2 will play the teams in Pool 3. Following 4 weekends of Pool fixtures the winner of each Pool will progress through to the Semi Final knockouts and then the Final will held at Northampton Saints’ home Franklin’s Gardens.
This year Saracens sit in Pool 1 alongside Gloucester Rugby, Newport Gwent Dragons and Bath Rugby and as mentioned will play against the sides in Pool 4, the Exeter Chiefs, Harlequins, London Welsh and Ospreys. Facing off on the other side of the draw Pool 2 contains the Cardiff Blues, London Irish, the Northampton Saints and Sale Sharks and Pool 3 the Leicester Tigers, Newcastle Falcons, the Scarlets and Wasps. Yesterday was team announcement day for Round 1 and what was great was the split between the fresh faces and the elder statesmen.
Saracens' house a hugely exciting man within their squad, one that if you saw the Junior World Cup earlier in the year you will know all about; Maro Itoje. The 20 year old is reading a politics degree as well as making huge waves in the world of rugby; powerful, physical and sharp as anything Itoje will Captain an exciting Saracens side against Harlequins at Allianz Park on Sunday afternoon. The Northampton Saints is another side that makes the rugby excitement levels rise. Personally I love their back line with Tom Collins, Jamie Elliott, Tom Stephenson, Dom Waldock, Howard Packman and Will Hooley it certain has great blend of pace and power. Phil Dowson will Captain the side, his experience is second to none and will greatly assist Ethan Waller and Mike Haywood up front.
Saracens' house a hugely exciting man within their squad, one that if you saw the Junior World Cup earlier in the year you will know all about; Maro Itoje. The 20 year old is reading a politics degree as well as making huge waves in the world of rugby; powerful, physical and sharp as anything Itoje will Captain an exciting Saracens side against Harlequins at Allianz Park on Sunday afternoon. The Northampton Saints is another side that makes the rugby excitement levels rise. Personally I love their back line with Tom Collins, Jamie Elliott, Tom Stephenson, Dom Waldock, Howard Packman and Will Hooley it certain has great blend of pace and power. Phil Dowson will Captain the side, his experience is second to none and will greatly assist Ethan Waller and Mike Haywood up front.
A man that I believe will standout for Wasps is Alex Lozowski, this season Alex re-joined Wasps after completing his degree and has impressed everyone at the club with his natural ability and work ethic. As we all know fly half is a pressured position and one that can expose individuals, however seeing Alex run out for Wasps First XV in pre-season and for Wasps A more recently like all of the best players he makes rugby look effortless and seems to have huge amount of time on the ball. Alex will be working with Ben Jacobs in the centre and has two prolific wingers outside of him Will Helu and Josh Bassett, all in all expect Wasps to fly
Bath Rugby are another side that have caught my eye for their XV is rammed with talent; a Gavin Henson and Chris Cook half back combination is LV Gold and up front Nick Auterac, Ross Batty and Kane Palma-Newport wouldn't look out of place in the Premiership. Charlie Ewels, after being thrown in at the deep again against Toulouse, will continue his rise to rugby fame. He is immensely strong and with his head totally screwed on this teenager is doing all the right things to go very, very far in the world of rugby.
Bath Rugby are another side that have caught my eye for their XV is rammed with talent; a Gavin Henson and Chris Cook half back combination is LV Gold and up front Nick Auterac, Ross Batty and Kane Palma-Newport wouldn't look out of place in the Premiership. Charlie Ewels, after being thrown in at the deep again against Toulouse, will continue his rise to rugby fame. He is immensely strong and with his head totally screwed on this teenager is doing all the right things to go very, very far in the world of rugby. This is by no means an extensive list of ones to watch, there are many more but for all of our sakes I will pause there!! In closing I want to wish every player running out for our Premiership sides this weekend well. Over the course of 4 rounds of pool matches, the Semi Finals and the Final we will be treated to some outstanding rugby, for in this competition individuals and indeed teams will play with flair and without fear as they aim to showcase what they are made of. So, without any further introduction let the 2014/15 LV=Cup begin...
