After 11 rounds of action it is time to pause and reflect on our Aviva Premiership sides' achievements to date therefore the Out On The Full spotlight is back. This is Part 2, including the final 6 clubs; London Welsh, Newcastle Falcons, Northampton Saints, Saracens, Sale and finally Wasps.
After the high of the Championship play offs London Welsh have come down to earth with a bump as Premiership life has been hugely testing both physically and emotionally. ‘Being competitive’ that was the desire, however over 11 rounds of rugby unfortunately that wish hasn’t always materialised, as we have witnessed some large defeats. Since Round 1 Welsh have improved and their competitive Round 11 match against London Irish showed that and I have to give credit to all at the club for handling such testing times with courage and bravery.
Mid Term Comment; Welsh have given it everything they have and will continue to do so, however long term Premiership life seems a step too far.
Mid Term Comment; Falcons are a world away from where they were last year… the next stop on the journey is recording some victories instead of just ruffling feathers
A few eyebrows were raised at the beginning of the year when the Northampton Saints decided to keep signings to a minimum however from Round 1 they have proved that doing things their way pays dividends. Stephen Myler's boot puts them into all of the right places and with a back line that includes George North, the Pisi brothers and Ben Foden it produces that type of content that rugby dreams are made of. The words strength, power and precision define Mallinder’s men, their forwards are more than a match for any other set in the country and during the International window they flourished. If I was a betting lady I’d put their name on that Aviva Premiership final programme now.
Mid Term Comment; An Aviva Premiership side in great shape and one that won’t give up their title without a fight!
This season it took Steve Diamond’s men a few weeks to settle back into the swing of things however now that they have done so the AJ Bell Stadium is becoming one of the most difficult places to travel to in the country. Sake are playing no frills rugby, they are grinding down sides and working extremely hard for every point. However, experience counts for a lot though as their narrow losses to Munster in Europe and Leicester last weekend highlighted but make no mistake the Sale Sharks are on the right course.
Mid Term Comment; Building nicely and a solid run in is expected but keeping their main men will be critical for seasons to come.
Saracens had a nightmare end to the 2013/14 season with two killer blows however it hasn't affected them this year. Mark McCall still has an abundance of riches out the back with Goode, Strettle and co however up front they have been found out a little on a few occasions. Let's not be too picky here mind you for Saracens are currently third in the Aviva Premiership table and they still have another gear or two to shift into for the remainder of the season.
Mid Term Comment; Steadily building, working away with a huge amount of depth in their ranks. Always going to be in the mix...
It has been a huge season already for Wasps Rugby with all that was entailed with their move to Coventry however I'm going to focus solely on their on the field performances. Wasps signed well over the Summer and showed exactly what they could do with their signings when they beat both Saints and Bath early on. However one thing that Dai Young will be frustrated about is their travel sickness for wins on the road have been few and far between. If Wasps play to their potential they should secure the Top 6 position that they desire, for with individuals like Nathan Hughes, Elliot Daly and the ever reliable Andy Goode on their day they can't be taken lightly.
Mid Term Comment; More to come from Dai Young's side... a colossal back row and dancing feet out the back, a side to watch if they get it right.
