Can you believe that we have already completed four rounds of Aviva Premiership action? It seems that only yesterday we were toasting the start of a new season and now our sides are about to embark on their first European action of the year.
The opening rounds have given us much to discuss, both on and off the field, some sides have recorded exactly the type of start that they would have liked while others find themselves in unfamiliar territory and with a spot of work to do when the competition reconvenes in two weeks time.
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| (C) AJB Photography |
The Worcester Warriors' start has been hugely encouraging for all that enjoy a fully competitive Aviva Premiership and of course for those connected with the club. After four rounds last year London Welsh had shipped 197 points against them and in contrast Worcester have conceded only 83 with five sides; Harlequins, Bath Rugby, Gloucester Rugby, London Irish and the Newcastle Falcons conceding more. It is the manner in which the Warriors attacked their opening fixture and gained the victory over the Northampton Saints that set the platform for the other three rounds. Dean Ryan's side are rightly disappointed only to have 10 points from the opening four fixtures for they could easily have taken something from the AJ Bell Stadium and against Gloucester Rugby at Kingsholm. Naturally the proof will be in the pudding come May 2016 however the early indications are that Worcester have a strong blend of industrious forwards and positive attacking backs. The only question mark that I have over the Warriors is whether or not they have the depth to cope with the relentless nature of this Aviva Premiership season? Clearly, only time will tell...
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| Pressing on from the Final |
The side sitting at the top of the Aviva Premiership table are last year’s Champions and from the opening four rounds it is clear that they aren’t in any mood to give up their title with a fight. Saracens have started where they left off, stifling teams and delivering their trademark defensive intensity regardless of the personnel in their new, slightly quirky, jerseys. Owen Farrell has bounced back from the Rugby World Cup and delivered his side with great reliability off the tee and behind him others have shone. Mike Ellery looks to be settling down in the fifteen aside game well, Alex Goode remains ever active at full back and Brad Barritt will only add further after a later comeback to the domestic competition. In the forwards Michael Rhodes is a competitive back rower that has fitted in seamlessly and the extremely talented Maro Itoje is continuing to go from strength to strength. All the initial signs are that Saracens will be going for the title from the front this season as opposed to the roundabout route that they took last year.
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| (C) PPA |
Of all of our Aviva Premiership sides the one that I have been most impressed with during this first block of fixtures are the Exeter Chiefs. Rob Baxter and his side are turning heads left, right and centre and delivering a beautiful brand of rugby. Bath Rugby were very lucky to gain their round one victory over the Chiefs however since that point no side has looked close to beating them. It is the calibre of Rob Baxter’s entire squad that will have others feeling slightly concerned for when you can mix and match and still retain high quality rugby you know that you are onto a good thing. Don Armand is playing like a dream and keeping Thomas Waldrom out of the starting line up and out the back James Short is reborn in the Chiefs jersey after being so quiet for London Irish last year. Of course the form of individuals like Gareth Steenson, Henry Slade and Jack Nowell doesn't even need mentioning - all are classy operators and integral to the side. There’s no question that the Chiefs are the real deal and personally I’m excited to see just how far they can go this season.
Of course there are 9 other Aviva Premiership sides in the competition all of which have their personal tales of the opening rounds. London Irish and the Newcastle Falcons remain winless and both have plenty of work to do. Gloucester Rugby and Wasps have each delivered mixed bags in terms of form. The Leicester Tigers' signings are settling in well and they look stronger than expected and the Sale Sharks are going steady after a shocking Round 1.With so many away on International duties, Bath Rugby’s disjointed preseason, has hampered their form alongside the drama of Sam Burgess leaving however they'll be happier than the Northampton Saints who have just one win from four and are missing a spot of spark. Finally Conor O'Shea's Harlequins look sharper than they have done at the start of any season for a number of years.
Now every Aviva Premiership side turns their focus to Europe, the aim for all will be to fly the Aviva Premiership flag strongly and deliver two weeks of performances that will set up delivering with a bang Round 5.
