Frustration, Elation & More - Aviva Premiership Round 14 Review

This weekend the Aviva Premiership returned to our lives and for the sides missing their International players it was the first of a three part test of their strength and determination. From the Friday Night Lights of Franklin’s Gardens and Welford Road to the jam-packed Ricoh Arena we were treated to 285 points and 27 tries. Here is the full round review; 

(C) @LeicesterTigers

At Welford Road the Leicester Tigers delivered a hard earned and crucial home victory over Gloucester Rugby. It was a night for the purists as the weather conditions and the pitch didn't lend itself to running rugby, instead scrummaging and hard graft up front was the order of the evening. The forwards were fairly evenly matched throughout the evening and indeed the difference was the all around kicking game and boot of Freddie Burns. Burns showed the fruits of his  recent work with kicking coach Paul Grayson as he slotted six penalties to James Hook's five. Gloucester scuppered chances to finish the game and will be frustrated about that however it is important to say they did not deliver a bad performance. Leicester shouldered the external pressure on them well and will head to the Madjeski Stadium ready to continue their traditional latter end of the season charge. 

(C) Red Hat Photo

At Franklin's Gardens the Northampton Saints didn't have a good day at the office, after siting their strength in depth as one of their key assets they failed to gel and impose themselves on London Irish. Frustrating and inaccurate are words that we usually associate the Saints however as they scuppered chance after chance they became appropriate for the night, Ken Pisi's try was the shining light in an otherwise forgetful performance. For Irish the story is slightly brighter, they'll be pleased with their ability to annoy their hosts however they'll share Saints' frustration as they also delivered basic inaccuracies, like dropping the ball over the line. Whilst Shane Geraghty had a good day at the office from the tee, key lessons will be learned and taken from a night in which they should have gained more.

At Sandy Park the Exeter Chiefs enjoyed themselves as they ran out 46 points to 17 winners over the Newcastle Falcons. Dean Richards' side didn't travel well and let themselves down for the first time in a number of rounds. Thomas Waldrom continued to enjoy life in the fast lane with his 10th try of the season and whilst Jonathan Joseph is scoring for fun at International level he remains the Premiership's top try scorer. For the Falcons defence appeared to be slightly optional and their basics weren't there. Strong words and a re-group will be on the cards before they entertain Wasps at home on next Friday evening whilst Exeter will feel confident that they can head to Harlequins and gain a strong result away from home. 

In Oxford London Welsh had a tough time against the Sale Sharks. It was a pacy first half that included some positive Welsh breaks however they weren't able to finish them all off. In contrast Sale delivered their scores with ease, Dan Braid gallantly put up with Opeti Fonua running down his channel with gusto and out wide Mike Haley and Sammy Tuitupou enjoyed the space that they were given. In the final forty once the game was out of reach London Welsh enjoyed the lions share of the possession however their basics were found wanting again and their opportunities were missed. Speaking frankly, Sale warmed themselves up nicely for a tough few weeks as they host Saracens next weekend before heading to Welford Road and then The Rec.

At the same time in London Saracens hosted Bath at Allianz Park and were pushed all the way to the final whistle after a spirited Bath come back. Saracens had a comfortable 31 points to 10 lead however as we have seen on many occasions this season Bath have a steely resolve and didn't give up. Overall Saracens played sensible rugby, they clocked up their scoreboard well, Jackson Wray had a particularly abrasive day and both Chris Wyles and Ashton’s finishes for their respective tries were impressive. Bath were physically imposing in defence and Tom Homer impressed on his debut as did Kyle Easmond. Ultimately Bath’s slow start cost them for against Mark McCall's side you must be on the money from the first whistle. 

The final game of the weekend was up at the Ricoh Arena where Wasps got off to a flying start against Harlequins thanks to two tries from Tom Varndell and Elliot Daly and they never looked back. Aviva Premiership matches between Wasps and Harlequins are notoriously tight with a maximum winning margin of just three points separating their last three Premiership encounters however on Sunday afternoon Wasps sensed their opportunity and took it with both hands. Harlequins' two yellow cards did little to help their cause and Nick Evans' boot was the only source of points. Nathan Hughes continued to make us count down the days until he is eligible for England with another physical performance and the result makes it three bonus point victories from three Aviva Premiership games at the Ricoh Arena for Wasps. 

View the Full Aviva Premiership Table here