Now That's What I Call Premiership Rugby - Round 12 Review

Across the country there were no signs of New Year’s hangovers as our Aviva Premiership sides delivered a superb round of rugby. From the try fest at Franklin’s Gardens to the jam packed Ricoh Arena and everywhere in between it was, quite simply, a delightful weekend of action. 

(C) Claire Jones

The Northampton Saints had the honour of kicking off domestic rugby in 2015 and just like in Round 1 of this year’s competition they did so in style, however the Newcastle Falcons pushed them all the way. The match delivered a try scoring bonus point a piece and a view of some of the best rugby that we have seen this season. Saints’ offloading game is a thing of rugby beauty, Ben Foden was majestic and Stephen Myler again stated his case for further International recognition. The Falcons were more than worthy opponents, physically strong in defence, asking questions of Saints at scrum time and potent in attack. Again Tom Catterick turned heads at fly half and in Chris Harris Dean Richard’s has unearthed a real gem of a player. It was a night that showcased the best of both sides and one that I suggest you watch if you haven’t had the pleasure of doing so yet. Stellar work all around in my book! 

On Saturday afternoon Allianz Park was the venue for Saracens' first game of the year as they entertained London Irish. Two David Strettle tries, a monstrous performance from Billy Vunipola and an accurate Owen Farrell boot sealed the deal for the home side as they dealt with the conditions sensibly and showcased their squad's depth. Historically London Irish have performed well at Allianz Park however a poor first half put them on the back foot, as Brian Smith told me after the game he had 'pretty strong words' with his side at half time and asked them to 'put their hands up'. Irish did so with Alex Lewington looking particularly strong however the solid brick wall that was Saracens' defence never fell. Sensible from Saracens whilst Irish didn't ever fully find their feet during the game. 

The Exeter Chiefs’ 100th game in the Aviva Premiership game didn’t end as planned as Gareth Steeson missed a conversion late on and the visitors stole the show. After witnessing only 6 points in the first half thanks to the boot of Greig Laidlaw the second sprung into life and delivered no less than 45 points. Jack Nowell played a blinder for the home side and his try on 49 minutes ignited proceedings whilst once again Greig Lawidlaw took the bull by the horns for the Cherry & Whites. Ben Morgan sealed his re-signing with what proved to be a winning try on and day in which neither side deserved to lose. Exeter will rue the lack of points in the first half for as Rob Baxter said they were putting a lot of good stuff together. Exactly like Friday night’s game, if you haven’t seen the game then I suggest that you switch on from half time and delight in a belting Aviva Premiership match.

Wasps continued to enjoy life at their brand new home as they brushed aside the Sale Sharks with ease and secured their second home bonus point victory. Dai Young's men inflicted the killer blows during the first forty minutes as Christian Wade ran circles around Sale and collectively they scored three first class tries. Sale weren’t allowed into the game, up front their forwards struggled and they didn't gain any true consistency going forwards. Joe Simpson’s second try of the day secured Wasps’ bonus point on 45 minutes and after that the game lost a little bit of it’s sparkle. Sale won’t take too much from their trip down to the Ricoh other than a few bumps and bruises, it a game to forget for Steve Diamond’s men. On the other hand Wasps move up to fourth in the table and will march on to Bath with a swagger in their step. 

(C) Paler Images

At Welford Road Leicester finally put to bed the nightmare that was Saturday 20th September at The Rec with a gutsy 17-8 win. Bath failed to adapt to the run of Matthew Carley’s whistle and that cost them dearly due to the accuracy of Owen Williams’ boot. The work rate and performance of one Tiger in particular must be noted, a certain Tom Youngs, for he was at the heart of a dominant set piece. For the visitors Sam Burgess was denied what would have been a memorable first Aviva Premiership try however it really wasn’t Bath’s day. Instead, it was a day in which Tigers’ spirit shone and even Richard Cockerill was satisfied as he described it as a ‘massive win and a great building block’. 

The final game of the weekend was at the Kassam Stadium where London Welsh endeavoured to gain their first win of the Aviva Premiership season over Harlequins. For strong periods of the game London Welsh led proceedings however eventually the confidence of Harlequins over took as Justin Burnell's men struggled to have to belief and power to finish things off. It was exactly the type of start that the home side needed with a Paul Rowley try on 21 minutes however when Harlequins did switch on they were more clinical and took their opportunities with both hands. It was a game in which London Welsh truly deserved to get something from for they are edging closer each week to that first Aviva Premiership win, the question is will it come next weekend away from home at Kingston Park?

Northampton Saints Photos © Claire Jones RedHatPhoto.com all proceeds raising money for the Leon Barwell Foundation.