Aviva Premiership Round 8 Preview - Start As You Mean To Go On

While some will be nursing the mother of all hangovers on New Year’s Day and wishing that they'd taken it a little bit easier the night before I, smugly, will not be one!! Instead I'll be winging my way to Franklin's Gardens for the start of Round 8 of the Aviva Premiership and all our domestic teams will be endeavouring to start their year as they mean to go on, victorious. 

Due to later start to the season we are not yet half-way through the competition and in 2016 the presence of the RBS 6 Nations has the potential to be quite a major curveball. This year there are 7 domestic rounds during the course of the competition and who knows which players Eddie Jones will be calling up to his squad. However, before we get too carried away let’s take it back to the here and now and focus on the next set of six matches and Round 8 of the competition. 

The Northampton Saints have the honour of kicking of 2016 by hosting the Exeter Chiefs at Franklin’s Gardens. The home side’s season hasn’t been close to where they would like it and I think that it is fair to say they're frustrated. Conversely the Exeter Chiefs are the best team in the competition over the last six rounds, having dropped only two possible league points in that period. Rob Baxter is dealing with a suite of injuries of which Damian Welch is the latest, joining Henry Slade, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Dave Ewers on the sidelines however their squad depth is holding well. This match will be a test of every facet of Saints’ game, Exeter have a pack to match their hosts and we all know what the visitors’ backs can do with ball in hand. We all know what Saints can do if they put their whole game on the park however the form book points at Exeter Chiefs prevailing away from home. 

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David Humprehys’ Gloucester Rugby played their part in a thrilling Round 7 fixture at Twickenham Stadium and back on home soil they'll be looking to go one better and gain the victory. London Irish gained their first four-points in the competition against the Northampton Saints and this weekend we’ll see just how much of an impact that has had on their confidence. Both sides have powerful back rows that I’m looking forward to seeing go against each other, whichever iterations their respective Directors of Rugby choose to select, and out the back we’ll see the wheels fly. For the Exiles Sean Maitland impressed me at full-back against Saints and centre Johnny Williams is growing with every game, this one will be a test for the 19-year old against far more experienced opposition however he handling Saints handsomely. Back on home soil the Shed will roar their side on and I hope that we see the best of both sides in order to make it a wholly competitive affair that contains wealth of positive rugby. 

At Kingston Park the Newcastle Falcons will host Bath Rugby. Last weekend the Falcons struggled with their patience against the Leicester Tigers and will want to rectify this on home soil. Bath Rugby recorded a well needed victory against the Worcester Warriors however haven’t yet won back-to-back domestic matches this term. If I was Mike Ford I would continue with the side that delivered their Round 7 victory and use the weekend to rest others given their outrageously large January calendar that includes Toulon twice, Leinster and Saracens. If he wants, Dean Richards has a new fly-half to field, and I expect that Andy Goode will be part of the match day squad. Whether Andy starts or not will depend on how up to speed he is after just a week however a man of his experience can only add value. Bath have won on their last 10 visits to Kingston Park since their last defeat there in October 2003 and if they play to their potential should delivered number 11 but the Falcons will be gunning of a point at the very last, perhaps more. 

Down at Allianz Park Saracens will welcome the Leicester Tigers to town. The approach that Saracens take to winning games may not be loved by everybody however the fact of the matter is that they are unbeaten after seven rounds of domestic rugby. This season the Leicester Tigers are a side reborn, although their Round 7 outing wasn’t their most beautiful of the season, they are strides ahead of this time last year. There are plenty of individual match ups and England potentials to watch out for in this one; Mako Vunipola v Dan Cole, Jamie George v Tom Youngs and Richard Wigglesworth v Ben Youngs to name but a few. Needless to say I expect Eddie Jones to be in attendance, or at least watching very closely, and this to be a niggly affair because neither are terribly fond of the other!

DC - always one to watch 

Both teams at the AJ Bell Stadium will be looking to bounce back from their respective Round 7 losses as the Sale Sharks face Wasps. Last weekend Steve Diamond’s side were in it for 60 minutes but just lost a touch of focus and the Exeter Chiefs capitalised. The same can be said for Wasps as they let slip two tries in four second-half minutes against Saracens. As always is the case when these two sides meet my eyes will be transfixed on two elements; the breakdown battle between the two back-rows and the form of Danny Cipriani. My hope is that both sides choose to play rugby and let their back lines loose for if they do we will be in for an entertaining game. 

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The final game of the weekend, and indeed the only Sunday fixture, will be between the Worcester Warriors hosing Harlequins. Dean Ryan’s side were physically imposing last weekend against Bath Rugby however struggled at the set piece and against Harlequins’ forward pack may do so again. Harlequins were guilty of playing a spot too much against Gloucester Rugby at Twickenham Stadium however there is no denying the power within their ranks. Will Conor O’Shea mix his selection up slightly? Potentially if individuals are bumped and bruised following their 39-39 encounter however he’ll be preparing his side thoroughly for their trip to Sixways. Dean Ryan is continuing to impress on his side the importance of picking up points from every single outing, he is well aware of the importance of every single table point be it from a victory, try scoring bonus or a losing bonus and this weekend the objective will be to come away with a minimum of one from their home outing. 

Full Fixture List

Fri 2 Jan - Northampton Saints v Exeter Chiefs (Franklin’s Gardens, 3pm)

Sat 2 Jan - Gloucester Rugby v London Irish (Kingsholm, 3pm) 

Sat 2 Jan - Newcastle Falcons v Bath Rugby (Kingston Park, 3pm) BT Sport

Sat 2 Jan - Saracens v Leicester Tigers (Allianz Park, 3.15pm) 

Sat 2 Jan - Sale Sharks v Wasps (AJ Bell Stadium 5.30pm) BT Sport

Sun 3 Jan - Worcester Warriors v Harlequins (Sixways, 3pm) BT Sport

Aviva Premiership Round 7 - A Very Big Game & Vital Victories

The domestic calendar year signed off in style as Round 7 contained a very Big Game at Twickenham Stadium, vital victories for London Irish and Bath Rugby and at the Ricoh Arena Saracens maintained their unbeaten record. 

Across the country individuals continued to put their hands up for International recognition and no doubt England's new forwards coach Steve Borthwick was given ample food for thought at Sandy Park. My understanding is that Eddie Jones is set to name his EPS squad on the 13th January and as that date draws ever closer the stakes increase for those in contention. For now let's park the International intrigue and instead focus on what was an enthralling round of Aviva Premiership rugby. 

It had been 3 years, 2 months and 20 days since London Irish had beaten the Northampton Saints in any competition and what a time to do it! The Exiles’ start of the year has been one of the toughest of all however on Saturday afternoon, over the balance of the full eighty minutes,  they thoroughly deserved their opening points of the season. The first-half was all about the home side, they played sensible rugby dominating the territory and physically abating Saints. Just prior to, and after half-time, the Saints started to launch their counter and the result was three consecutive tries however Irish weren’t ready to give up on this one. Tom Coventry’s men rode out a period with Aseli Tikoirotuma in the sin bin and then launched their final charge and when Jamie Gibson was given yellow the Saints chose to go into their final scrummage a man short. The result was a penalty try that not only took the match but also lifted the Exiles off the bottom of the table. For the Northampton Saints further soul searching is required as they still don’t look like the Saints of old. Key Men: Chris Noakes for steering London Irish into the right areas of the field & a notable mention for the entire pack delivering that last penalty try. 

Dean Richards' Newcastle Falcons started strongly against the Leicester Tigers at Welford Road however couldn't maintain their early form. The visitors were wholly competitive early on however as their Director of Rugby said they lost their patience and their ill discipline again proved to be a challenge for their endeavour. The match was riddled with groundings/non-groundings; Freddie Burns' pinpoint crossfield kick to Telusa Veainu was spilled over the line however Veainu atoned and scored off the next play. Matthew Tait was also deemed to drop the ball over the line and at half-time the scoreboard read 10-10.  However in the second half Peter Betham found his way through and Laurence Pearce added a second for the home side. Leicester's day was dominated by missed opportunities and they could have had a bonus point with the last play of the game however they misfired and settled for the victory instead. Key Man: Freddie Burns' performance at 10 will please both the fly-half and his head coach as he settles back into domestic life after injury and his crossfield kick was Ruan Pienaar esque.

Once again both the Exeter Chiefs and Sale Sharks were greeted by testing conditions at Sandy Park with the wind howling a gale. By all accounts the elements didn't spoil what was a captivating affair as both sides were evenly matched for sixty of the eighty minutes. Of the seven tries in total the pick of the bunch were Josh Beaumont stretching his rangy legs from just beyond half-way, Will Chudley sniping away for a double and James Short's 68th minute score that swung the balance of the game. The Sharks suffered from a spot of late imprecision that took the result away from them however Steve Diamond knows that his young side will learn from this game while Exeter brushed off their French woes well and head into Round 8 in second-place in the table. Key Man: Scrum-half Will Chudley had a blinder of a day, delivering lightning quick service from the base of rucks and sniping with great effect

At the start of the season four points for Bath Rugby against the Worcester Warriors was considered to be a given however after the start to the year that they’d had Sunday’s Premiership victory was a significant one. Mike Ford had held firm and rotated his squad giving Rhys Priestland his first club debut at 10 and changing 9 of his starting XV to the one that played against Wasps in the Champions Cup. The Warriors were wholly competitive throughout, we expect nothing less of them now, however certain areas let them down - their scrummage in particular. The match itself was far from a vintage affair, instead penalties were the order of the day expect for Horacio Agulla's first-class finish in the far left-hand corner of The Rec.  Across both sides individuals stepped up, Chis Cook had a belting day at the office from nine delivering Priestland with the quick service needed and for the visitors Phil Dowson gave the game everything he had and more. Overall Bath's cohesion going forwards remains far from where it was however for them Sunday's match was all about the victory. Key Man: His work may not be seen on the scoreboard however the ball carrying of David Denton was impressive and vital in Bath's back-row

At the Ricoh Arena the Saracens' juggernaut continued to press on as Mark McCall's side made Wasps pay with a potent second-half spell. The opening half was dominated by both sides kicking the leather off the ball in a bid to force the mistake and gain the territory. Saracens dominated the set piece, gaining multiple penalties and Maro Itoje was disrupting Wasps' usual rock solid lineout. At 9-9 the game was precariously poised however Saracens then produced two quick tries; the first from Duncan Taylor who stormed through a gap off first phase possession. The second was an opportunist score off a loose Wasps' ball, this time Duncan Taylor did the honours to put Owen Farrell in for the try. The double blow was ultimately too much for Wasps to come back from, Frank Halai gained a consolation score, however Saracens used their experience to see the game out and remain unbeaten in seven domestic rounds. Key Man: Saracens' Maro Itoje was awarded the MOTM award for a reason, his ability to disrupt Wasps' lineout and overall physicality will turn heads, not for the first time.  

The final match of the weekend was in front of 70,718 people at Twickenham Stadium  where Harlequins hosted Gloucester Rugby and it more than lived up to its 'Big Game' title. Just where do you start with a game that contained 10 tries in total and finished 39-39? Well it would be remiss of me not to mention Rob Cook's sensational solo try on 67 minutes - one of the best individual scores that we've seen this season however his score was just one of six in the second-half. Credit must go to the home side for what Conor O'Shea called their 'mental durability' to get themselves back and draw the match from eight-points down with a little over ten minutes to go. Gloucester Rugby's day was bitter sweet, the positives being the tries that they scored however seeing Henry Trinder gain another injury and both John Afoa and Jonny May leave the field will concern. If you've got a free 80 minutes then I suggest that you view this one in full for there is so much to take in; Matt Kvesic's individual performance will turn heads, James Hook delivered his best eighty of some time and for Harlequins Danny Care had a captain's day at the office leading by example. Key Man: Matt Kvesic will have impressed many especially given a certain member of his opposing back row and Jamie Roberts' impact was evident throughout as he punched holes galore, a strong Premiership debut from the Welsh International. 

#ThrowbackThursday - A Big Game & More

In this week’s festive Throwback Thursday we take at look back at a couple of the corresponding fixtures from previous seasons including a Big Game at Twickenham Stadium and Wasps hosting Saracens at the Ricoh Arena. 

Harlequins' Big Game has been an annual fixture in the Premiership Rugby calendar since 2008 and this year Conor O’Shea’s side will take on Gloucester Rugby. The home side’s current victory tally at Big Games is an even one; they’ve won three, drawn one and lost three. Last year the Northampton Saints were victorious by 30-25 however the year prior the home side delivered a strong display, 22-6, against the Exeter Chiefs and that is the match that we are going to reflect back on.

Prior to Big Game 6 there was just one point separating fourth-placed Quins from the  Exeter Chiefs in fifth however on the day there was really just one team in it as Harlequins excelled at the Big Stoop. Nick Evans’ early try set the tone of the match and it is fair to say that Harlequins could have had many more points on the board had they converted their early chances. That said the home team continued to pressurise the Chiefs' defensive line and eventually the tries arrived with Charlie Walker the next to dot down and Mike Brown delivering the third. 

In the second-half an early Gareth Steenson penalty abated things slightly however Harlequins turned the screw, particularly, at the set-piece and went on the charge again. Those that were there that day will remember that it was a purposeful performance by Harlequins and given their much stronger start to this domestic season I'm expecting big things from Conor O'Shea's side this Christmas time too. 

The last time that Wasps and Saracens met it was Round 17 of the 2014-15 Aviva Premiership Season and Wasps were endeavouring to keep their unbeaten home record in tact. It was a match in which Alex Goode stepped into the fly-half role and, not for the first time, excelled by scoring 16 of Saracens’ 20 points. 

Wasps had the early upper hand having romped to a 17-3 lead after just 15 minutes. Christian Wade delivered one of the finishes of the season down the right-hand win, a finish that still defies belief and certainly deserves another look (here). Elliot Daly then showed the Ricoh Arena crowd what he could do by slicing Saracens’ defence to pieces from inside his own half and it was looking very rosy for the men in black and gold. However Saracens weren't chasing the semi-finals for nothing and their reaction was as emphatic and impressed as Wasps’ opening tries. 

Mark McCall’s side went onto score 23 unanswered points in what was described in their own match report as ‘a phenomenal display of controlled, physical and tactically astute rugby’ and to be honest I have to agree having been there at the time. Needless to say this match was an indication of Saracens’ ability to remain totally calm under pressure and force opponents to make mistakes and play into their hands. 

With Wasps’ significant European victory over Bath Rugby still fresh in all of our minds and Saracens’ remaining unbeaten this competitive season the stage is set for another gripping encounter. Wasps must hold their nerve in the face of a side that are brimming with confidence knowing that, to date, no-one in Europe has been able to break them down and Saracens will want to finish the calendar year with another head-turning victory. 

Out On The Full Vlog 3 - Festive Fun

It is Vlog time!! This week's is a slightly festive edition complete with a few fair lights in the background and the occasional turkey reference! The heart of the Vlog looks at the European weekend just gone and then dives into the Aviva Premiership action that is en route this festive season. As always let me know your thoughts by commenting or dropping me a tweet;

Back Rows & Worcester Warriors - Leroy Houston

Over the past few seasons the importance of the back rows has been highlighted more than ever. It seems that, in England especially, we are forever talking about the 'balance of a back row' and debating what that entails. 

With the Aviva Premiership Round 7 fast approaching I took the opportunity to speak to a man that knows all about a back row, Bath Rugby's Leroy Houston and dive a little into the details. Of course there is the small matter of a domestic crunch match coming up for his side and we also spoke about the task ahead for the side that find themselves in an unfamiliar table position and that have just a touch of pressure on their shoulders. Enjoy the audio below;

Aviva Premiership Round 7 - Tis The Season To Be Jolly

Season’s Greetings! After two weeks of European action our old friend the Aviva Premiership returns to guide us merrily through the festive period. It is fair to say that the European Champions and Challenge Cups delivered a mixed bag of results for our Premiership sides and right now every team knows just how important this final round of the calendar year is. 

On Boxing Day the Madjeski Stadium will be the first to open its doors as London Irish welcome the Northampton Saints. London Irish should be feeling slightly better than they did after the end of Round 6 after Europe delivered their first win of the year and an encouraging performance on the road last weekend. The Northampton Saints struggled in Paris and although they were much more competitive on home soil Jim Mallinder’s side still need to up their game particularly in attack. Yes, I know that on this point I sound like a broken record, however when you have the likes of George North, the Pisi brothers and Ben Foden in your backline I expect more. The sensible prediction is that the visitors will prevail however what a Christmas boost it would be if Irish could gain their first Premiership win of the season. 

The question prior to the Leicester Tigers’ European back-to-backs was whether or not they’d be able to step it up another gear and manage the intense atmosphere of Thomond Park? Needless to say they did and look in fine fettle heading back in the domestic competition. This weekend just gone the Newcastle Falcons enjoyed what Dean Richards described as their ‘best victory of the season’ against Connacht Rugby and it was a match that included 24 unanswered second-half points. That said you cannot look past the home side; this season Leicester are everything that we wanted them to be last and Aaron Mauger still believes that they have much more to give. 

The third and final Boxing Day match is at Sandy Park where the Exeter Chiefs will host the Sale Sharks. Rob Baxter’s men must show great bounce-back ability after their punishing outing at the Stade Marcel-Michelin and endeavour not to suffer from a European hangover. In contrast the Sale Sharks should be a happy bunch as their squad delivered the double over Castres and did so through giving squad members game time meaning that their preferred XV will be fresh and ready. Exeter have lost just once at home since September 2014 and the last time that these two met their the Chiefs ran out comfortable 44-16 victors. However, the question is how much damage will that pummelling in France have done to them both mentally and physically?

On Sunday the rugby starts at the Ricoh Arena where Wasps will host Saracens in what should be one of the matches of the weekend. Saracens have won their last eight fixtures with Wasps in all competitions however after the performance that Dai Young’s side delivered at The Recreation Ground they have the potential to ruffle a few feathers. This match will certainly be one for Eddie Jones to enjoy and will provide another opportunity for a number of in form players to remind him of their potential. Elliot Daly, Alex Goode, James Haskell, Owen Farrell and both Vunipola brothers in particular will want to show their worth and if Wasps deliver to their capabilities then this will be one of the sternest tests of Saracens' unbeaten record that they’ve had this competitive season. 

At 2.30pm referee Tom Foley will blow his whistle to commence the game at The Recreation Ground between Bath Rugby and the Worcester Warriors. Prior to the start of the season this match would have been a simple result to call however now there is a touch of pressure on the home side and Worcester will smell apprehension. The Warriors’ two European losses isn’t an indication of their form, Dean Ryan has been open in saying that his squad isn’t large enough to compete full bore on both fronts so they rested their first choice individuals over the past few weeks. For Bath Rugby this week has been one of ‘delving into the detail' after they were humbled on home soil against Wasps.  The home side must win the physical battle and play with a confidence that they may not truly feel but embody the philosophy 'fake it till you make it'. Needless to say the pressure is on the home side having won just one of their last four home games. Leroy Houston and Mike Ford afforded me with some clarity regrading their preparations this week watch out for the Out On The Full article coming shortly. 

At Twickenham Stadium Harlequins will host their annual Big Game fixture and this year their opponents are Gloucester Rugby. There is a buzz around Harlequins at the moment after productive start to the season in all competitions. Gloucester Rugby used their European Challenge Cup fixtures to find a spot of continuity and will be better for their two consecutive victories. Grieg Laidlaw continues to excel and from a selfish perspective I hope he will be selected to clash with Danny Care. Jamie Roberts marked his Quins debut with a try and if selected (!) will hope that this time he lasts the full eighty on the Twickenham turf, unlike the varsity match. Personally I believe that home advantage will assist Harlequins to their fourth Big Game victory since the match’s inception and at Wednesday's media day I’ll be speaking with Chris Robshaw about the forthcoming fixture. 

Round 7 Match Facts & Stats

• Harlequins Tim Visser is currently Premiership Rugby's top finisher with 5 tries in 4 appearances
• The Top 5 Premiership Rugby kickers all have percentages of 82% plus with Newcastle Falcons' Mike Delany leading the way with a cool 93% - 13 from 14. 
• Charlie Hodgson continues to extend his lead at the top of the Premiership's All Time Leading Points Scorers with 2,525.
• Welford Road will host its first Boxing Day clash since Bedford Blues were the visitors in Premiership Rugby in 1998

Out On The Full - Champions Cup Feature Match

Often European victories on the road are few and far between however, this year, Wasps are making a habit of going away and spoiling parties. Dai Young's side's victory was as emphatic as they come and puts their European destiny in their own hands. For Bath Rugby it was a sobering day and one that made last weekend's win seem a world away. 

All of the things that Dai Young was unhappy about at the Ricoh Arena were rectified by his side and they did so with gusto. Instead of playing too much rugby in their own half they worked the territory with ease, courtesy of the superb kicking game of Jimmy Gopperth. Last weekend they didn't show their hand in attack, this time they did from the opening kick-off when Elliot Daly marauded up field with a run that screamed 'Hi Eddie Jones, I'm Elliot, nice to meet you!!' Wasps kept their discipline well and in the first-half were dominant at the scrummage - all of the elements that you need to produce a comfortable and impressive lead. 

Conversely Bath Rugby weren't allowed into their stride such was the defensive work rate and line speed of Wasps. The men in white had all of the answers to Bath's attacking play and the very slow ball from Niko Matawalu hindered any true progress, needless to say Peter Stringer is being greatly missed. When Stringer was around the service  to George Ford was crisp, clean and lightning quick and that allowed Bath to set up early and always be on the front foot. Now the ball is much slower while Niko decides what to do, or tells those around him what he wants them to do, and that means that opponents are ready and waiting. 

I asked Mike Ford after the game what he thought was missing from his side and his answer was honest and clear; 

"I just think belief really, we are a bit fragile aren’t we? Although we won last week, to go from 7-0 up to 7-23 down is not great. Our scrum was a big problem but there were others things as well. So, a bit of belief there and a bit of leadership lacking as well. 

He shared that they are going to have a season review on Monday morning and ask 'all of the questions that need to be asked' but was very clear that he trusts his players 100% and the talent that they have. There is no question that this is difficult, and frustrating, period for the club but it is one that they need to get through. 

The mood at Farleigh House will be a stark contrast to the one at Wasps' Twyford Avenue Training Ground. In his own quiet way Dai Young was a happy man after his side's victory, and why wouldn't he be? His squad will be bouncing into the festive period and looking forward to testing themselves against the current Aviva Premiership leaders after Christmas.

In this match Elliot Daly, Joe Simpson and James Haskell all put their hands up in front of Eddie Jones and overall their squad looks strong and well composed. James' physicality was high and his combination with Nathan Hughes and George Smith goes from strength to strength. Joe Simpson was back to his sparky best and unlike Niko Matawalu delivered superb service for Jimmy Gopperth and finally Elliot Daly was the stand out player on the field. According to his Head Coach Daly is growing as a player and now 'doing the simple stuff well' alongside adding the 'stardust' and should be a shoe-in to Eddie Jones' England squad. 

It was yet another brilliant European day at the office for Wasps and a difficult one to watch for all concerned at Bath Rugby. Pool 5 remains delicately poised, both sides have to face Toulon and Leinster and although Bath have a game in hand the Coventry based outfit will have all of the confidence and swagger of a side that knows they are playing well regardless of where they are in the world. 

Out On The Full - Champions Cup Feature Match

So here we are again, ready for another all Premiership European clash between Bath Rugby and Wasps. My expectation is that this match will surpass the last and of course the result is intrinsic to the composition of Pool 5, the pool that prior to the competition many thought Toulon would dominate, in spite of it being packed with previous winners. 

Of course the context to this game is last weekend’s match, this week the analysis will have been a touch easier as the match review will have become a side's preview. Neither team has changed their composition greatly therefore this second outing will be a test of both's tactical nous as well as nerve and physicality. 

Bath Rugby will be entering this match feeling better than they have done in a while and I expect that this week's training has been eminently more enjoyable than some they've had in recent weeks. On Sunday night things finally started to click for Mike Ford's side and gaining the result in the manner in which they did should have boosted their confidence no end. 

Wasps, well they are arriving at the Recreation Ground with a point to prove to themselves. Dai Young's men started Europe in empathic fashion and showed us exactly what they are capable of however since haven't reached the same standards. Last weekend their Director of Rugby wasn't totally content with his squad's performance and I expect the team to notch their levels up gear today. 

So the question is how and where will this game be won? With the weather being seasonably mild and no rain scheduled for the time of kick-off I expect both sides to press for points. We all know that this is the Bath way and it is also the ambition of Wasps especially when they are fielding a backline that includes Frank Halai on one wing and Charles Piutau in the other. Neither wingers are afraid to come and look for work, Charles especially, and both will be lethal off turnover ball. George Ford and Niko Matawalu will have plenty to think about with their respective kicking games, I don’t expect it to be a problem for Ford, however Matawalu has to be considered with his exits and box kicking.

Diving back into both backlines, personally, I want to see the ‘flair’ players really open up and express themselves. Of course today's game is yet another shop window for Eddie Jones to take notice and I'm sure he'll be watching with interest. As you’d expect from someone of his calibre Jonathan Joseph has slotted in seamlessly after his injury time out and I believe that he has another gear to go into which we hopefully will see today. For Wasps Joe Simpson was relatively quite last weekend, he must step up for I believe the scrum-half is the type that Eddie Jones would want playing for England and likewise Elliot Daly. Both sides need to ensure that when they press forwards and enter the opposition's 22 they take points from it, ideally five or more, for both have been guilty of wasting opportunities in recent matches. 

The physical nature of the game at the Ricoh will be replicated, especially with the movement of Matt Garvey into the second row and Leroy Houston playing on the blindside. As a trio James Haskell, George Smith and Nathan Hughes worked superbly well together last weekend and should replicate, or perhaps surpass this, today. Of course the set piece will be fascinating as ever, Romain Poite is an experience referee and Bath especially know how important it is to read him correctly and get on his good side! Personnel wise Matt Mullan will want to get stuck into David Wilson from an England perspective and Nick Auterac will have Italian Lorenzo Cittadini to contend with. 

The long and the short of this match is that we are going to see two fired up sides ready to show the crowd at the Recreation Ground, and those watching at home, what they are made of. Bath must be smart with their possession and ensure they are clinical with their finishing and Wasps must play slightly less rugby than they did last weekend and instead gain better territory and work from there. As always it will be a fascinating clash between two Premiership sides that are getting to know each other very well, matches between them in any competition are some of the most enjoyable that I watch, and the result will go a long way towards determining the make-up of Pool 5. 

Opta Match Facts

• Bath Rugby have won 6 of their lsat 7 Champions Cup fixtures and have won their last 3 at home
• Wasps have won 3 of their last 4 matches away from home in the Champions Cup and by a margin of 15+ points on each occasion
• Matt Mullan has made more tackles, without missing one, than any other player in the competition so far - 36. 
• George Ford has already notched up 24 points in the competition however the fly-half on Wasps’ bench Ruaridh Jackson has 39. 

Bath Rugby: 15 Anthony Watson 14 Semesa Rokoduguni13 Jonathan Joseph 12 Kyle Eastmond 11 Matt Banahan 10 George Ford  9 Niko Matawalu 1 Nick Auterac 2 Ross Batty 3 David Wilson 4 Matt Garvey 5 Dave Attwood 6 Leroy Houston 7 Francois Louw (C) 8 David Denton Replacements: 16 Rob Webber 17 Max Lahiff 18 Henry Thomas 19 Charlie Ewels 20 Guy Mercer 21 Chris Cook 22 Rhys Priestland 23 Tom Homer

Wasps: 15 Rob Miller 14 Frank Halai 13 Elliot Daly 12 Ben Jacobs 11 Charles Piutau 10 Jimmy Gopperth 9 Joe Simpson 1 Matt Mullan 2 Ashley Johnson 3 Lorenzo Cittadini 4 Joe Launchbury 5 Bradley Davies 6 James Haskell (C) 7 George Smith 8 Nathan Hughes Replacements: 16 Edd Shervington 17 Simon McIntyre 18 Phil Swainston 19 James Gaskell 20 Sam Jones 21 Dan Robson 22 Ruaridh Jackson 23 Alapati Leiua

European Champions Cup - The Second Half

So here we are, preciously poised at half-time in the back-to-back fixtures and looking forward to the denouement of the two part dramas. At this moment in time four out of the five Champions Cup pools are topped by Aviva Premiership sides however they’ll need to continue to excel in order for that to remain the case after Round 4. 

The round starts at Franklin’s Gardens where the Northampton Saints will host Racing 92. The Saints’ trip to Paris wasn’t the French sojourn that they’d hoped for as the home side started strongly and never looked back. No doubt that they’ll be a spot of frustration around Jim Mallinder’s side for every time that they looked to be gaining a platform last weekend something went against them; a stray pass leading to an interception or an error thwarting the move. The question is what can they do to turn this result around against a streetwise Racing 92 with the World Player of the Year at the heart of it? Well, taming tight-head prop Benjamin Tameifuna will help, getting a few Lawes’ specials on Carter and generally disrupting the side filled with class and experience.  The home side need to turn it on from moment one and disrupt their visitors, their power must be shown in defence and scoring first will be king. Needless to say this is a tough ask however Northampton have to believe and deliver on home soil. 

On Saturday afternoon Saracens have a slightly easier task as they will host Oyonnax. After a 45-10 victory on the road Mark McCall’s men will simply be aiming to replace that performance on home turf. The six tries that they scored away from home reminded us all of their attacking capabilities and even if their Director of Rugby chooses to mix up his selection the result shouldn’t be in doubt. As was the case last weekend this match doesn’t need oodles of analysis done on it for Saracens are in imperious form and should overpower their opponents with ease. 

126 miles away The Recreation Ground will be packed to capacity as Bath Rugby welcome Wasps. On Sunday night George Ford’s touch-line conversion decided the match and the question regarding Bath is just much will that result have sparked the home side after an indifferent start to the year? My personal feeling has been that one strong result would kick-start Mike Ford’s men and this weekend the proof will be in the pudding. Wasps will certainly raise their game as in Round 3 we didn’t see their true colours and that disappointed Dai Young. As with every single match between these two sides the head-to-heads are delightful and of great interest to Eddie Jones! Expect more drama and a highly physical encounter between two sides that already know each other well!

On Sunday afternoon the Exeter Chiefs will face the cauldron that is the Stade Marcel-Michelin and a smarting ASM Clermont Auvergne side. Les Jaunards aren’t used to losing in Europe, especially in the manner in which they did at Sandy Park, and Rob Baxter’s side will be prepared for a large reaction. Without question I believe that the Exeter Chiefs’ victory was the performance of Round 3 and I cannot wait to see what they can do on the road. The team must remain totally focused and somehow block out the intense and intimidating atmosphere surrounding them. With a victory under their belts this match is a test of the squads'  character and another opportunity for the Devonian side to make the rest of Europe turn and look at them. 

The final game of the weekend will be held at Welford Road where the Leicester Tigers will host Munster Rugby. Fixtures between these two sides are always feisty affairs and after Leicester’s victory at Thomond Park Anthony Foley is demanding a much improved outing from the visitors. Leicester have a sterling home European record having won 26 and drawn two of their last 29 matches at Welford Road and with their confidence sky high I expect them to deliver another victory. The freedom with which the Tigers are playing is superb to see after last year’s stuttering, and at times, ugly performances and there’s no reason why their path should deviate this weekend. 

Opta Match Stats & Facts

• Racing 92 are undefeated in their last 4 away matches in the Champions Cup (W3, D1) - clearly this is one French side that don’t mind travelling!
• Saracens have won 10 of their last 11 matches at home in Europe, averaging 35 points per game & interestingly this will be Oyonnax’s first Champions Cup match outside of France!
• Bath Rugby have won 6 of their last 7 Champions Cup fixtures and have won each of their last 3 at home
• Wasps have won 3 of their last 4 matches away from home in the Champions Cup
• Exeter Chiefs have averaged more time in possession so far than any other side (22m 58s) 
• Leicester have won 26 and drawn 2 of their last 29 matches on home soil in the European Cup

Full Match Schedule 

18 Dec 19:45 Northampton Saints vs. Racing 92 (BT Sport)

19 Dec 13:00 Saracens vs. Oyonnax (Sky Sports)

19 Dec 15:15 Bath Rugby vs. Wasps (BT Sport)

19 Dec 16:15 Stade Francais Paris vs. Benetton Treviso (BT Sport)

19 Dec 17:15 Leinster Rugby vs. RC Toulon (Sky Sports)

19 Dec 18:15 Bordeuax-Begles vs. Ospreys (Sky Sports)

19 Dec 19:45 Scarlets vs. Glasgow Warriors (BT Sport)

20 Dec 14:00 Toulouse vs. Ulster Rugby (Sky Sports)

20 Dec 16:15 ASM Clermont Auvergne vs. Exeter Chiefs (Sky Sports)

20 Dec 17:15 Leicester Tigers vs. Munster Rugby (BT Sport)

Plenty To Ponder On - Wasps vs. Bath

Without fail the European back-to-back fixtures always deliver and with the individuals housed in both Wasps’ and Bath Rugby’s squads their Pool 5 encounters always had the potential to be an intriguing two part drama. 

Bath’s form going into the game was undefinably shaky, their confidence was low and ahead of the game they had looked a shadow of their former selves. Wasps had been unrelenting in Europe and although had stuttered against Exeter were expected to blow their opponents away. Understandably Dai Young wasn’t too content after the fixture, not only had they lost, but his side hadn’t produced a performance reflective of their potential; 

“I think that we need to look at ourselves for the whole performance that’s what we’ve talked about. Bath didn’t play any rugby whatsoever and we played far too much rugby. We had something like four times as many rucks as they did, we were keeping the ball but weren’t getting much penetration to be quite honest with you. We probably should have been a little bit smarter and played the game in the right areas a little bit more than we did. As I say we became very lateral keeping the ball and struggled, certainly out wide in the contact area and if you look at the first half all of their penalties came from our mistakes.”

Conversely Mike Ford knew exactly how important the result was to their European hopes and more importantly for his side’s confidence;

“So we talked about all week if we get into the red zone that we aren’t going to come out until we score. We put pressure on them, with two in the bin and they couldn’t obviously go for a scrum so we said keep it with the forwards and if you call for it backs then you’ve got to score. It was pleasing that what we did at Farleigh on Friday, it was a bit edgy that session and showed that the players care about the position that we are in, they replicated it out there today I thought. I thought sometimes you want to play fantastic rugby don’t you and a beautiful game but sometimes it just takes guts and heart.”

Without question both sides were very aware of the presence of Eddie Jones in the crowd, how could England’s new head coach not have been there with such a number of talented Englishmen on display? Although Wasps didn’t play to their full potential there were individuals that will have given Eddie a flavour of what they are about. James Haskell was his industrious and physical self, the match was a bruising encounter and it was exactly the type of game that he will have enjoyed, bar the result. Elliot Daly ran some trade mark arching lines and unleashed his powerful boot from the half-way line. Joe Simpson wasn’t as dynamic as he could have been, that will be something he’ll want to change at the Rec next week, however his namesake Joe Launchbury showed exactly what type of athlete he is and excelled. 

The final Wasp that should already have a very large page in Jones’ notebook is Nathan Hughes. By my understanding Nathan qualifies for England on 25th June 2016 and I believe he should go straight into England’s squad. For every single moment that he was on the field Nathan caused Bath so much to think about breaking tackles and the gain-line is his bread and butter however he has so much more as a number  8 for he has the hands of a sevens player and offloads with easy out of most situations. 

So what of Bath’s key men? Mike Ford shared that Eddie had been to Farleigh House on Friday and they'd had a conversation about the players he would be watching. Like Wasps Ford's players gave a flavour of what they're all about but not the whole shebang. Kyle Eastmond and Jonathan Joseph started together for the first time since the Premiership Final and added the confidence that a pairing switched onto each other always provides. Anthony Watson had a few pacy runs forwards and finished the final try well but it was under the high ball he shone and George Ford showed nerves of steel to land the final conversion and had a much more complete and Ford like game to the one that we all witnessed against the Northampton Saints. 

So what now at half-time in this back-to-back encounter? Well Pool 5 has been blown wide open by the result and you can be sure that Wasps will arrive at the Rec with their tails up. Dai Young's squad know that they are better than they showed on home turf and equally know that need to deliver away from home as their opponents have a game in hand.  Bath, well they have to take every ounce of morale boosting confidence that they can from closing out the win and build on it. Yesterday's performance, although not perfect, must provide platform to work off and they must excel at The Rec. 

Needless to say I expect both teams to crank their performances up another a gear in five days time and it should produce another intriguing eighty minutes of rugby for us, and Eddie Jones, to watch.