Premiership Round 4 Preview

Can you believe that we’re already at Round 4? It seems like yesterday that the season was starting and we were all gearing up for our first weekend of a new Premiership season. 

After three rounds you’d expect every side to be back into some form of groove but that’s not quite the case and there are still a number that need a positive performance in Round 4 to kick-start their seasons. 

Personally I’m hopeful for a spot of good weather so that we can continue to see the type of running rugby that we all enjoy and not have to move into the challenging conditions just yet!

Bristol v Exeter Chiefs

The weekend starts at Ashton Gate and boy do I hope that Bristol are able to pull something out of the bag in terms of delivering a performance level that isn’t absolutely walked all over on by Exeter. The Chiefs are firm favourites, that’s obvious, but I’d like the hosts to side to stand up to them. Andy Robinson has changed six in his pack, clearly with the objective of boosting their physicality and that will be vital alongside rock solid defence. Rob Baxter has placed a big emphasis on ensuring that his side’s mental preparation is on point because there could be a tendency to underestimate their opponents given last weekend's result between Bristol and Wasps. He's fired the warning to his players so in theory that shouldn't be a problem. The last time that the two met was actually in the  2009-10 Championship playoffs and the visitors will be aiming to show the significant strides that they've made since that point. Two to watch: Jack Lam and Julian Salvi having a good old breakdown battle.

Gloucester v Newcastle Falcons

Kingsholm will welcome Premiership Rugby back after their side finally found a final quarter in Round 3. At the AJ Bell Stadium Cherry and Whites showed the type of composure that needs to be a constant and the challenge will be to repeat that at home, because we all know that consistency isn't always their strong point. From a Falcons’ point of view they’ll have been bitterly disappointed not to have taken the result against Leicester but must park that swiftly. The one thing that concerns me with Dean Richards’ side is that they haven't won away from home in the Premiership since October 2014. ‘Travel sickness’ cannot be a part of any Premiership campaign, if they want to be successful, and they need to rectify that asap.  Two to watch: Large responsibility on Willi Heinz at scrum-half to fill Greig Laidlaw's shoes from the offset and I'd like to see a spot of stardust from Dom Waldouck in Falcons' midfield. 

Harlequins v Saracens

It’s Round 3 and yet this is the first time that Harlequins will be running out at The Stoop and boy will they be looking forward to home comforts. Harlequins haven’t looked like a side filled with purpose yet but they will take heed from the fact that Saracens are missing a fair few for this encounter including Chris Ashton, Duncan Taylor, Owen Farrell, Sean Maitland, George Kruis and Schalk Burger. That said  we all know that Saracens' squad is a strong one and has the power to do a job regardless. Harlequins welcome back Jamie Roberts into their midfield but are still missing Nick Evans and will be with Jack Clifford for the next 10 weeks (ankle injury). This fixture last season was the last match that Maro Itoje lost for Saracens and it was one of the only two matches that Saracens lost on the road but I personally don't see that happening again. I'm predicting something similar to last weekend in which Harlequins give Saracens something to think about but the reigning Champions prevail regardless. Two to watch: The direct comparison of Alex Goode and Mike Brown - fascinating for all of us and maybe even Eddie Jones too!

Northampton Saints v Wasps

Franklin’s Gardens is set for a treat this weekend when Wasps rumble into town and aim to build on their fine form. Matches between these two always are always physical and feisty affairs and I can’t wait to see them duel again. Northampton know that they were the ones that handed Saracens a foothold back into their Round 3 match so will be looking to deliver for the full eighty. They’ll need to do so again without Dylan Hartley who remains out of the match day 23 and it’s in this type of game that his leadership would have been vital in their pack. Wasps' game last weekend should have acted almost like a training exercise in preparation for this true test and they’re welcoming back Sam Jones, Guy Thompson and Nathan Hughes into their starting back row - a potent trio. Looking at the stats, Wasps won both encounters with Northampton in Aviva Premiership Rugby last season but have not achieved successive victories at Franklin’s Gardens since 2005. Two to watch: Tommy Taylor and Mikey Haywood going head-to-head at the set piece and delivering dynamism around the park.

Worcester Warriors v Sale Sharks

At Sixways Carl Hogg will be looking for his side to put together all of the different elements that we’ve seen this season - the attacking intent and output that they showed against Bath in Round 3 (first half) and the type of physical defence that they showed us all at Twickenham Stadium in the opening forty of the season. If they do that then they will give their fans plenty to shout about and they’re boosted by the return of Cooper Vuna. Sale make four changes to their line-up and the big news is that AJ MacGinty is available to start at fly-half. The new ten has had limited time to showcase his worth in the Premiership so I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do. Peter Stringer starts alongside AJ in the half-backs and his presence, and outstanding quick delivery, should help the fly half no end. Back in Round 13 last year Worcester beat Sale 31-23 but they haven't achieved back-to-back successes against Sale since 2008.  Two to watch: I'm going to keep my eye on the fly-halves as both AJ MacGinty and Ryan Lamb have points to prove. 

Leicester Tigers v Bath Rugby

The one and only Sunday match will be at Welford Road and it should be another belter. Interestingly the last five fixtures between the two have been won by the home side on the day but right now Bath may just be edging it in terms of confidence. Todd Blackadder’s side are three from three and in good spirits while Leicester’s start has been a little sticky. Jonathan Joseph returns for the visitors and forms a combative centre partnership with Matt Banahan and they’ll face off against the inventive duo of Owen Williams and Peter Betham. Elsewhere for Bath George Ford and Kahn Fotuali'i continue their blossoming partnership in the half-backs and both should give Tigers plenty to think about. Richard Cockerill has gone for experience in his front row bringing back Marcos Ayerza next to Tom Youngs and Dan Cole and they could gain real dominance at the set piece if all are firing.  Bath last won at Welford Road in Premiership Rugby back in November 2003 so it's a tough task on their hands even if Leicester looked shaky last week. Two to watch: I'm definitely interested to see the work of the two packs collectively and the duel out wide between Semesa Rokoduguni and JP Pietersen.